Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe, where the sun’s intensity can pose serious risks to skin health throughout the year. With a Cwa climate that features warm summers and mild winters, Chinhoyi experiences significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the index can reach as high as 8. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, enabling you to enjoy the outdoors safely. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones under the African sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity heats up quickly, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM, before hitting its peak of 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the prime time for sun safety awareness! After noon, the UV Index gradually declines; by 3:00 PM, it recedes to 3, and as the day wanes, it drops significantly to 1 by 4:00 PM. By evening, UV levels have diminished, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit notable seasonal variations, with extreme levels predominating during the winter and fall months. High-risk months include January through April (UV Index 18-13), where exposure is categorized as extreme and the burn time is just 10 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, the UV Index gradually decreases, reaching its lowest point of 8-10 from May to July, categorized as very high, with a slightly increased burn time of 15 minutes. However, August through November sees a resurgence of extreme UV levels, particularly in August and September when the UV Index peaks again at 11-12 and maintains a burn time of 10 minutes. Given these high UV readings, it is crucial for visitors and residents to exercise caution by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to safeguard against skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulawayo UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Mutare UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Gweru UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Chitungwiza UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Harare UVI | 18 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 |
| Chinhoyi | 18 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 16 |